KNOW YOUR CREATOR

For a thinking mind, every creature on earth guides one to the Creator! If an egg of a chicken is studied in detail, one will realize the Powers of the Omnipotent Allah.

Once, Abu Shair al-Daysani came in the presence of the Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) and said: “O Ja’far ibn Muhammad, Guide me to Allah”. He had a young boy, who was playing with an egg, the Imam asked the boy to give the egg to him. The Imam said: “O Daysani, this is a concealed stronghold. It has a solid cover, and inside the solid cover there is a soft layer. Inside the soft cover layer there is the egg-yolk and the albumin. Neither does the egg-yolk mix with the albumin, nor does the albumin mix with the egg-yolk. Each remains in its state. No one knows whether it will make a male or a female. Colors like the peacock bursts out of it. Do you not think that it is a product of a Planner (Mudabbir)?

Which planning has created this eggshell of pure lime and consigned astonishing secrets in it? What planning is it that has formed this eggshell, from the feed that birds eat, into a white house that is a peaceful place for the growth of a chicken? Who placed the sperm in the egg, like the pearl in the shell? The embryo is not attached to the mother, neither is there any womb to provide nourishment. Hence, the nourishment is provided inside the eggshell. A delicate membrane is placed between the wall of the tough eggshell, the chicken and its nourishment, that protects it from being harmed. Then in the same dark surroundings, all parts of the animal are formed, such as the bones, muscles, veins, nerves, and senses, and each one is placed in its own position. From all those parts if one only pays attention to the composition of the eye, he will ponder on how delicate its creation is.

Since this chicken will have to feed by picking seeds from between the earth and stones, Allah equipped with a tough beak from the horns of the animals, so that it does not hurt itself from the earth. In order that the chicken does not miss, He gave it a craw to collect all the seeds in it and preserve it there, gradually sending them to the digestive system. Then He covered its delicate skin with feathers and wings that protect it from hot and cold, from injury and other animals. He did not only suffice the chicken with the necessities of life, but He also gave him the physical beauty of colorful feathers.

From the hen’s body, balanced heat is required for the development of the chicken. The bird that does not keep still except the darkness of the night, sits in its place to heat the eggs for the duration that is required to form embryo  and hence the chicken. What wisdom is it that makes this constantly moving bird keep still so that life comes about in the new chicken? Which teacher taught the bird how to turn over the egg in such a way that a chicken is formed, with no parts misplaced? And who taught the chicken to break the eggshell with its beak when its formation is completed and it is ready to enter a new life full of energy?

What meticulousness and mercy has entered the hen that, against its instinct, it protects the life of a chicken? A reform occurs in the life of the hen that makes her stand up to protect and defend her chicken. The hen makes her chest a shield to guard her chicken. This emotional state continues until the chicken becomes able to carry on with its own life.

It is not sufficient for us to take notice of an egg so that it may guide us to Surah al-A’la Ayah 2 and 3: “Who has created (all things) proportionately, decried their destinies, and provided them with guidance.” The Infallible Imam said: “Do you not think that it is the product of a Planner (Mudabbir)?”  

He put his head down for a long time, then said: “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, Alone. He has no associates, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, and you are an Imam and a Proof from Allah for His Creation. I repent for the misguidance in which I was in.”

Source used:

Principles of Faith by Ayatullah al-Uzma Shaykh Husayn Vahid Khorasani, Translated by Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi 

THE MYSTERIOUS VISITOR AND THE GATEWAY OF KNOWLEDGE IMAM ALI (A.S.)

It is reported in “Ma’arij al-Nubuwwah and Zuhrat ar-Riaz”,that after 10 days of the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), a Bedouin entered the Masjid-e-Nabavi wearing a veil on his face and holding a hunter in his hand. He asked: “Who is the vice-gerent of the Messenger?” Caliph Abu-Bakr pointed towards the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.). The Bedouin greeted the Imam (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “Wa Alaikum as Salaam Ya Muzarrah of the well” The audience in the mosque was surprised by his reply! The Bedouin said: “How did you know my name and why did you call me “the man of well?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “I was told by my cousin, the Messenger of Allah. You are an Arab, your father’s name is “Waram” and you are 360 years old. When you were 100 years old, you warned your people and informed them about the Noble Messenger and advised them to become a Muslim. But your people did not heed to your advice, tortured you and ultimately threw you in a deep well. You were in that deep well till now, Allah (s.w.t.) destroyed your people and rescued you from the well and were told about the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and that you are his companion and advised to visit his grave in Madinah.” Muzarrah started crying after hearing his episode from Imam Ali (a.s.) and asked: “O Ali! How did you know such details about me?” Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “I was informed by my brother, the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), and also that you will come after his demise and sent greetings to you.” Muzarrah was delighted to hear the greetings from the Messenger of Allah for him, and he kissed Imam Ali (a.s.)’s forehead. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked him to remove his veil and as soon as he removed the veil, a light emerged from his forehead which brightened the mosque. He asked some questions from Imam Ali (a.s.) saying that it could only be answered by a Messenger or his Vice-gerent.

Muzarrah: Who was that masculine who did not have mother or father?

Imam Ali (a.s.): He was Adam.

Muzarrah: Who was that feminine who did not have a mother or father?

Imam Ali (a.s.): She was Eve (Hawwah)

Muzarrah: Who was that masculine who did not have a father?

Imam Ali (a.s.): Prophet Ei’sa (a.s.)

Muzarrah: Who was that Messenger who did not belong to humans, jinn, animals or angels?

Imam Ali (a.s.): It is that crow which was sent by Allah to educate Qabeel, who killed his brother Habeel.

Muzarrah: Which was the grave which gave ride to the occupant?

Imam Ali (a.s.): It was the huge fish which carried Prophet Younus (a.s.) in the ocean.

Muzarrah: Which was that animal which warned its companions?

Imam Ali (a.s.): It was an ant which warned its companions to be careful as they were climbing a beam and to be careful so as to avoid falling soil on Prophet Sulaiman (a.s.)’s head.

Muzarrah: Which was that body which ate but did not drink?

Imam Ali (a.s.): It was the staff of Prophet Musa (a.s.) which swallowed the magician’s snakes.

Muzarrah: Which was the part of earth on which the sun shone only once and will never shine again?

Imam Ali (a.s.): It was the river Niles which was separated for the Prophet Musa (a.s.) and his people, and once they passed ashore, the water returned to normalcy.

Muzarrah: Which was the stone which gave birth to a living thing?

Imam Ali (a.s.): It was that stone from which the she-camel came out in the times of the Prophet Saleh (a.s.)

Muzarrah: Who was the woman who gave birth in 3 hours?

Imam Ali (a.s.): It was Mariyam (s.a.) who was pregnant in one hour, was in labor for one hour and Prophet Ie’sa (a.s.) was born in 3 hours.

Muzarrah: Who are the two friends who will never be enemies?

Imam Ali (a.s.): They are body and soul.

Muzarrah: Who are the two enemies who will never be friend?

Imam Ali (a.s.): Life and death.

Source:

Kaukab-e-Durri by Sayyid Muhammad Saleh Kashfi Al-Tirmizi Al-Hanafi (r.a.)

EID-E-MUBAHILAH

In the early days of Islam, Najran was a big center of learning whose inhabitants were idol-worshipers. Subsequently, they accepted Christianity as their religion. Najran is in the Saudi Arabia, south of Jeddah. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had sent letters to the heads of different countries inviting them to Islam. One such letter was also sent to the Christians of Najran.

It read as follows:

In the name of the God of Ibrahim, Ishaaq and Yaqoob. This letter is from Muhammad, the Prophet and Messenger of       Allah to the Bishop of Najran.

Praise be to the God of Ibrahim, Ishaaq, and Yaqoob. I invite you to worship Allah instead of His servants. I invite you to come out of the rule of servants of Allah and into the rule of Allah Himself.

It is also stated that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) included the following Ayah of the Glorious Qur’an:

“Say, (O’Muhammad) O People of the Book (Bible), come to an agreement between us and you; that we shall worship none but Allah and that we shall claim no partner to Him, and that none of us shall take others for Lords besides Allah” And if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah).

This was the event of 10 A.H. Sixty learned priests headed by their chief monk priest, Abdul Masih, came to Madinah and went straight to meet the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) dressed in silken clothes. The Messenger did not like their attire and turned his face away from them. The Commander of the faithful, Maula Mushkil-Kusha, Imam Ali (a.s.) came to their rescue and advised them to dress in simple clothes. When they returned wearing simple clothes, the Messenger warmly welcomed them.

 Following conversation took place:

The Messenger: I invite you to the belief of Tauheed and the worship of one God and submission to His will. (Then he recited Ayah 64 of Surah Aale Imran.)

Abdul Masih: If Islam means faith in one God of the universe, we already believe in Him and follow His commands.

The Messenger: Islam has a few other signs and some of your actions show that you have not accepted true Islam. How do you claim worship of one God when you worship the cross and do not abstain from eating pork and believe that God has a son?

Abdul Masih: Certainly he [Isa (a.s.)] was the son of God because his mother Mary [Mariyam (s.a.)] had given birth to him without marrying anyone in the world. Therefore, obviously his father is the God of this universe. And also because he used to bring the dead back to life, cure the sick and create birds from clay and make them fly. It shows that he is God.

The Messenger: No, he was the servant and creature of God, and placed in the womb of his mother Mariyam (s.a.). All his power and strength was granted to him by God.

At this time, Archangel Jibra’eel brought the following Ayah 59 of Surah Ale Imran:

“Surely, the example of Isa to Allah is like that of Adam; He created him from dust and then said to him, “Be” and he was”

It means that if Isa (a.s.) could be called the son of God because he was born without father, then Adam (a.s.) deserves this title more because he was born without a father and a mother. The priests could not reply to this argument and continued to argue out of obstinacy.

Then the following Ayah 61 of Surah Ale Imran was revealed:

              “And whoever argue with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge then say, come, let             us call our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us             humbly pray (to our Lord) and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars” 

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) produced this verse before the priests and challenged for “Mubahilah”. The priests consulted each other and accepted the challenge. It was agreed that the two parties' contest would take place the next day in the open desert outside Madinah. On 24^th Zilhajj, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) came out for Mubahilah. He was holding Imam Husayn (a.s.) in his arms, and held Imam Hasan (a.s.) by his hand; Lady of Paradise Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was behind him, while the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.) was behind her. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said to them, “When I pray for curse of Allah, you should say Ameen”.

In compliance of the Ayah of Mubahela, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) brought Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (a.s.) as his “SONS”, Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.) in place of “WOMEN” while he could have brought three women, and Imam Ali (a.s.) as his “SELF “while the Ayah had the accommodation for three.

The priests, by seeing these shining faces emitting light, were spellbound. Their hearts trembled and they began to shake on seeing the light radiating from The Sacred Panjetan (a.s.).

Their leader asked: “who are these persons who have come with Muhammad”

A man told their names and their relationship with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). He could no longer hold his patience and cried out:

“By God, I am seeing such faces that if they were to pray to God to move the mountain, God Almighty would move the mountain for them. O You People of Najran, if you contest with Muhammad in this prayer of invoking curses on the liars, then I warn you that all of you will be destroyed and not a single soul will remain on this earth. I feel that it would be better to surrender to them and obey them”

After the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) heard these words, he later remarked:

“By God, had the Christians of Najran contested with us, they would have been transformed into monkeys and swine. Fire would have rained over them”  

It is a historic event of a unique triumph of Islam. This event unquestionably established the truth about Islam and the spiritual purity of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). It proved beyond doubt as to who were the members of The House of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and their “unquestionable Truthfulness!”

There is a point to be remembered here that in Arabic language the plural tense is used for more than three. Allah had provided the place for three or more than three persons in the categories of “SONS”, “WOMEN”, and “SELVES”. But the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had to decide as to who were the persons who were “TRUTHFUL” and never lied in their life time, because Mubahilah would bring up Allah’s wrath on the “LIARS”. It was a crucial test for Islam. Hence, he picked-up Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.); only two persons for the place in “SONS”. While in the place of “WOMEN”, he picked-up only his daughter, The Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Similarly, in the place of “SELVES”, he picked up The Conqueror of Khyber, Imam Ali (a.s.).

After the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), when Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) claimed her gifted property of Fidak, which was given to her by her father, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), the Caliph did not accept her testimony, that of Imam Ali (a.s.) nor Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.). These were the same Panjetan, whose Truthfulness was accepted by Allah on the eve of Mubahilah!

THE YOUNG MARTYRS OF HAZRAT MUSLIM IBN AQEEL (A.S.)

Hazrat Aqeel (a.s.) was one of the brothers of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.).

Hazrat Muslim (a.s.) was the son of Hazrat Aqeel (a.s.). He had two sons aged about 10 and 12 years. The name of older son was Muhammad and the younger one was Ibrahim.

There are two versions of their whereabouts before the great tragedy of Karbala. One version states that they were with their father Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel (a.s.) in Kufa at the time of his martyrdom. The second version says that they were with Imam Husayn (a.s.) in Karbala and subsequently imprisoned in Kufa. Their imprisonment in Kufa is confirmed. They were in the prison for about a year. They underwent extreme hardships. They were provided barley bread and one cup of water every day.

After a year, they talked to each other and decided to disclose their identity to the jailor. When the jailor came to know that they were from Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and belonged to the Hashemite tribe, he apologized to them and set them free. He also gave them some provisions and direction to go to Madina. As it was becoming dark, they lost their way to Madina. They were tired and exhausted and approached an old woman who was sitting outside her house and requested for shelter for the night. When she learned that they were from the Noble Prophet’s family, she was very kind to them. But she was worried about her son-in-law, Harith who was a supporter of Ibne Ziyad, the governor of Kufa. Earlier, the Governor had proclaimed that two prisoners had escaped from the prison and offered to pay two thousands Dirham to any one who would bring the heads of the sons of Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel.

The two brothers slept in a dark room. Both of them saw their father in the dream. They woke up and started crying and sharing their dream with each other. Harith had returned home and was sleeping when he heard the crying voices. He searched the whole house and found them. He bound their feet together and attached to a pillar.

Next morning, Harith ordered his slave to take them to the river, kill them and bring back their heads. The slave refused to comply when he learned that the boys belonged with Ahlul Bayt. He asked his son to kill them but he also refused. Finally, the tyrant took the boys to the Euphrates River to kill them. They pleaded with him to sell them as slaves rather than killing them. But he refused to listen. They again pleaded with him to take them to Ibne Ziyad, and let him decide their fate. But the cruel and greedy man would not listen. He said, “I better earn his nearness by spilling your blood and also collect the prize money. They finally requested permission to offer two raka’at prayers, which was granted.

After the prayer, they looked up towards heaven and prayed, “O’ Thou Alive, O’ Thou Wise, O’ Who is the best of all the Judges. Thou judge us and him with justice.” Then the evil man killed the older brother first and threw his head-less body in the river, the body waited for the younger brother. When the younger brother was also killed and thrown his body in the river, then both the bodies swept away simultaneously.

The man wrapped their heads in a cloth and took it to the court of Ibne Ziyad to collect two thousands Dirham in bounty. Their tomb is at Musaiyab, a place about 10 miles from Karbala.

It is to be noted that even the children of Ahlul Bayt remember prayers in the face of any catastrophic death.

It is an irony that Imam Ali at the age of about 11 years offered to help and assist the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)  and defend Islam at the First Feast in Islam called “Dawat-e-ZulAshira” in Makkah, when Allah directed his Apostle to warn his kin’s and community members. As time passed, Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Zulfiqar saved and protected not only Islam but also the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) in various battles e.g. Uhad, Badr, Khandaq, and Khyber, to name a few. He (a.s.) saved the Prophet of Islam on the night of Hijra by sleeping in the Prophet’s bed. On that night, who ever slept on that bed was sure to be killed. The Quraish were waiting to kill the Prophet in the morning. In return for these valiant and brave services to Islam and the Prophet of Islam, Imam Ali and his Ahlul Bayt were made to pay dearly. This onslaught on the family of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) reached the zenith at Karbala. Allah says in Surah al-Rahman Ayah 60, “Hal Jaza-al- Ehsaan Illal Ehasn?” meaning: “Can anything else be a response to a favor but a favor?”History narrates that instead of respecting and loving Ahlul Bayt, the Muslims mercilessly killed, tortured and imprisoned the Ahlul Bayt from Imam Ali (a.s.) to Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.)!

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CORONATION OF IMAM ALI (A.S.) AS REPOPTED BY A SUNNI SCHOLAR

A great Sunni Doctor, Allama Shahab-ud-Deen Ahmed, have preserved the entire Sermon of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), delivered on the auspicious occasion of the Coronation of the Conqueror of Khyber, the Gateway of Knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful, the Infallible Imam Ali (a.s.), in his famous book titled “Taudih-ed-Dala’el” Following is a condensation of the speech as recorded in “Taudih-ed-Dala’el”:

I offer Praise and Thanks to Allah (s.w.t.) for all His Bounties. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and He is One, the Almighty, the Perfect .He has no consort or son, no partner (s), and I am one of His slaves but He chose me as one of His Messenger for the guidance of all mankind. O people! Fear Him at all times and never disobey Him. Remember that Allah’s knowledge encompasses everything.

O Muslims! Beware that when I am gone, there will arise men who will attribute false statements to me and there will be people who will believe in them. But I seek Allah’s protection that I should ever say anything but the Truth and invite you toward anything but what He has revealed to me. Those who transgress in this matter will pay the penalty. At this point, Ibada ibn Samit, a companion, rose and asked: “O Messenger of Allah! When that time comes, whom should we look up to for guidance?” The Messenger replied: “You should follow and obey “The people of my House (Ahlul Bait)” They are the heirs of my apostolic and prophetic knowledge. They will save you from going astray, and they will lead you to salvation. They would invite you toward the Book (Al-Qur’an al-Majid) and my Sunnah. Follow them because they are never in doubt about anything. Their faith in Allah is unshakable. They are the rightly-guided ones; they are the Imams, and they alone can save you from misbelieve, heresy and innovations.

Allah has commanded you to love my Ahlul-Bait. Devotion to them is made mandatory for you (Chapter 42 verse 23). They are the ones who are sanctified (Chapter 33 verse 33). They are the ones endowed with virtues and excellence which no one else possesses. They are the chosen ones of Allah Himself. Now I have been commanded by Allah to make this announcement: At this point he held Ali’s hand, lifted it high and said:

“Know you all, of whomsoever I am the Maula (Master), Ali is his Maula (Master). O Allah! Be You a Friend of him who is a friend of Ali, and be You an Enemy to him who is an enemy of Ali. O Allah! Help him who helps Ali, and abandon him who abandons him.”

The speech was over. Muhammad Mustafa, the Messenger of Allah, had formally and officially declared Ali ibn Abi Talib to be the Sovereign of all Muslims, and had appointed him as the head of the State and Government of Islam.

As soon as this announcement was made, another verse, the last one of the Al-Qur’an al-Majid, was revealed to Muhammad. It reads as follows:

“This day I have perfected for you, Your Religion and have completed My favors on you, and have Chosen for you Islam to be your Religion.” (Chapter 5 verse 3)

It was the 18^th day of the 12^th month of 10 A.H. (March 21 632 A.D.), when the last word of the Revelation was sent down to this earth. The Revelation started in 610 A.D. in the cave of Hira in Makka, and was brought to a conclusion in 632 A.D. in the plain of Khumm with the proclamation that Ali ibn Abi Talib would be Chief Executive, after Muhammad himself, of the Government of Madina and the State of Islam. Ibn Hajr Asqalani writes in “Isaba” that after making this announcement, the Apostle of God placed a turban on the head Ali ibn Abi Talib, thus completing his Coronation.

All the companions congratulated Ali on this glorious occasion when the Apostle of God himself crowned him and proclaimed him his vicegerent and successor. Among those who congratulated him were Umar bin al-Khattab and the wives of the Apostle.

Hassan bin Thabit Ansari and Qays ibn Ubada Ansari composed verses on this occasion.

Most of the Sunni commentators have conceded that the command of God to His Messenger in the first verse pertains specifically to the declaration that Ali is the Sovereign of all Muslims. Some of these commentators are: Wahidi in Asbab-un-Nazool, Suyuti in Tafsir Durr al-Manthoor, Ibne Kathir, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Abu Ishaq Naishapuri, Ghazali in Sirrul Alameen, Tabari in Tarikh -ar-Rusul wal –Mulook, Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith of Delhi, India.

Muhammad did not pick out Ali to be his successor merely because Ali was his cousin, his son-in-law, and his favorite disciple; nor did he pick out Ali because of his personal qualities. Muhammad had very little to do with this choice. The timing of the revelation of the last two verses of Al-Qur’an al-Majid (5:70 and 5:4), the events that transpired during the interval of these two revelations and their correlation, lead the observer to but one conclusion, viz., the choice of Ali as the successor of the Prophet of Islam, was made in Heaven. God Himself Chose Ali.

Source: A Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy

EID - E - GHADEER

Shia Muslims celebrate 5 Eid: Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, Eid-e-Mubahela, Eid-e-Ghadeer,

Wedding of Lady of Paradise Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and Commander of Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.),

Apart from these, the birth days of Chahardah Masoomeen are also days of rejoicings and celebrations are treated as Eid.

On the 17^th day of Dhul-Hijjah 10 A.H. the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s) was returning along with over 120,000 Muslims after performing last Hajj, when Archangel Jibra’il descended on earth and brought Sura al-Mai’dah Ayah 67, “O Apostle, deliver what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and if you don’t do it, you have not delivered His message (at all); and Allah will protect you from the people.” By this time, every command of Allah has been delivered to Muslims and nothing was added after this day. A question arises in every mind as to why Allah was threatening His Messenger that if he did not comply with the directive of Allah then it would liquidate his efforts of whole life. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) died about 70 days after the event of Ghadeer. The last sentence indicates that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) was apprehensive of the reaction of his people in delivering that message but Allah informed him not to worry, for He will protect His Messenger from the people!

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) spent about 5 hours at Ghadeer-e-Khumm in the scorching heat of Arabian Desert. He recited about 100 Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an for about 3 hours. The Messenger declared “It seems the time has approached when I shall be called away (by Allah) and I shall answer that call. I am leaving for you two precious things (thaqalayn) and if you adhere to them both, you will never go astray after me. They are the Book of Allah and my Progeny that is my Ahlul Bayt. The two shall never separate from each other until they come to me by the Pool of Kauthar (in Paradise)” Then the Messenger continued “Do I not have more right over the believers than what they have over themselves.” People cried and answered “Yes, O Messenger of Allah” Then followed the key sentence denoting the clear designation of Imam Ali (a.s.) as the Leader of Muslim ummah. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) held up the hand of Imam Ali (a.s.) and said “For whoever, I am his Leader (Maula), Ali is his Leader (Maula) .The Prophet continued “O’Allah, love those who love him and be hostile to those who are hostile to him.”

Immediately after the Prophet finished his speech, the following Ayah was revealed, Sura Al-Ma’idah Ayah 3 “Today, I have perfected your religion, completed My favors to you, and have chosen Islam as your religion”. This Ayah clearly indicates that Islam, without clearing up matter of leadership after the Messenger, was not complete, and completion of religion was achieved by the appointment of the Messenger’s successor.

As soon as the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) completed his sermon, Has’san Bin Thabit, the companion and poet of the Messenger of Islam, asked for his permission to compose a few verses of poetry for the newly crowned successor Imam Ali (a.s.) for the audience. The Prophet said “Say, with the blessings of Allah”. Has’san stood up and said “O People of Quraysh, I follow with my words what preceded and witnessed by the Messenger of Allah. He then composed the following verses extempore:

            He calls them on the Day of Ghadeer, their Prophet

            In Khumm so hear (and heed) the Messenger’s call

            He said “Who is your Guide and Leader?

            They said, and there was no apparent blindness clearly:

            “Your God, our Guide, and you are our leader

            And you won’t find from among us, in this, any disobedient”

            He said to him “Stand up O Ali, for I am

            Pleased to announce you Imam and Guide after me

            So whoever I am his leader (mawla), then this is his leader (mawla)

            So be to him supporters in truth and followers”

            Then he prayed “Allah! Be a friend and Guide to his follower

            And be, to the one who is Ali’s enemy, an enemy”

After his speech, The Messenger of Allah asked everyone to give the oath of allegiance to Imam Ali (a.s.) and congratulate him. Among those who did so was Umar bin al-Khattab, who said “Well done, Ibne Abi Talib! Today you became the Leader (mawla) of all believing men and women.”

Allah ordered His Prophet to inform the people of this designation at a time of mammoth congregation so that all become the witnesses and narrators of the tradition, while they exceeded a hundred twenty thousand. Narrated by Zayd bin Arqam: Abu al-Tufayl said “I heard from the Messenger of Allah and there was no one there except that he saw him with his eyes and heard him with his ears”

Some Sunni commentators report that when the first three Ayahs of Sura al-Maa’rij were revealed, a man challenged the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) when he reached Madinah as detailed below:

On the day of Ghadeer, the Prophet summoned the people towards Ali and said “Ali is the mawla of whom I am the mawla. The news spread quickly all over the urban and rural areas. When Harith Ibne Nauman al-Fahri came to know of it, he rode his she-camel and came to Madina and went to the Messenger of Allah and said to him “You commanded us to testify that there is no deity but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah. We obeyed you. You ordered us to pray five times a day and we obeyed. You ordered us to observe fasts during month of Ramadan and we obeyed. Then you commanded us to offer pilgrimage to Makkah and we obeyed. You are not satisfied with all this and you raised your cousin by hand and imposed upon us as our master as saying ‘Ali is the mawla of whom I am the mawla.’ Is this imposition from Allah or you?”

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said “By Allah, who is the only deity! This is from Allah, the Mighty and the Glorious” On hearing this, Harith turned back and proceeded towards his she-camel saying “O Allah! If what Muhammad said is correct then fling on us a stone from sky and subject us to severe pain and torture” He had not reached his she-camel when Allah, who is above all defects, flung at him a stone which struck him on his head, penetrated his body, and passed out through his body and left him dead. It was on this occasion that Allah, the Exalted sent the following verse “A questioner questioned about the punishment to fall. For the disbelievers, there is nothing to avert it, from Allah, the Lord of the Ascent.” (Surah al-Maa’rij Ayahs 1-3)

Some of the opponents of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) tried to belittle the occasion by interpreting that “Maula” means friend!

In the scorching heat of the desert, making a pulpit of the camel seats, reciting more than 100 Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an, giving sermon for 5 hours in the light of the Divine threat that if he (the Messenger) did not deliver the Message of Allah to Muslims as if he did not deliver any message and that in consequence of delivering the Message, Allah will protect the Messenger. It is plain and simple logic!

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

Al-Ghadeer                                                                 by Allama Abdul Husayn Al-Amini Al-Najafi

WIKIPEDIA    

SURAH INSHIRAH OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

This Surah was revealed in Makkah. It was reportedly revealed just after Surah al-Zuha. In both the Surahs, some of the Divine Bounties are enumerated for the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Three spiritual bounties mentioned in this Surah are; the expression of these bounties, good news for the Messenger that his burden and difficulties of his prophetic mission will be removed soon, and that attention should be paid to Allah alone, and be hopeful and encouraged in worship and supplication to Him. Although, the Surah is Makki but the contents of the Surah were manifested near the end of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s apparent life. Time is for the creatures but for the Creator, time is meaningless!

                “(Muhammad), did We not comfort your heart”

                “Relieve you of the burden,”

                “Which had been a heavy weight upon your back (by creating Ali ibn Abu Talib to                       help you against your enemies),”

                “And grant you an exalted reputation?”

                “After every difficulty there is relief,”

                “Certainly, after every difficulty there comes relief”

                “When you are free (from your farewell pilgrimage), appoint (your successor)

                “And commit yourself to be in the presence of your Lord”

In the broader sense, the concept of “expansion of sadr” means the expansion of the knowledge of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) through inspiration and revelation, and the expansion of his patience and perseverance against the sabotage and obstruction of his enemies and opponents. It is in the same light as in Surah Taha Ayah 24: “(Musa) said’O My Lord! Expand me my breast”.  Prophet Musa himself requested for the expansion of his breast. When the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s life is scrutinized, it is evident that the enormous difficulties faced by him was possible through the Divine assistance of the expansion of his breast.

Another gift of Allah (s.w.t.) to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was the removing of the “burden” by appointing a wazir for him. The term “Wizr” means weight and the term “Wazir” or minister is derived from the same term as the wazir or minister takes away the burden of governance from the shoulders of a king, or a president or a prime minister of any country. Hence, the Infallible Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) was appointed by Allah (s.w.t.) to relieve the burden of propagation and protection of Islam and history proves that Imam Ali was helping the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) from the “Dawat Zul-Ashira” to his last day in this world. Three years after the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was appointed for the prophetic mission, he was ordered to invite the close relatives as stated in Surah as-Shua’ra Ayah 214: “Warn your close relatives”. He ordered Imam Ali (a.s.) who was about 11 years old to arrange a feast which was called “Dawat-e-ZulAshirah”, the first feast in Islam where more than 40 members of Quraish were invited. After the feast, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) invited the people towards Islam and solicited help in the prophetic mission and said: “Whoever helps me in this mission will be my successor, wazir and Wasi” Imam Ali (a.s.) stood up and offered to help him.

As for the exaltation of the reputation and name of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), it is sufficient to say that for the last fourteen centuries, the Muslims all over the world had been calling the Unity of Allah (s.w.t.) five times a day and his name is also called in the “Azaa’n”. What a magnificent honor it is! And what a lofty rank higher than this could be thought of! About the appointment of successor, Hafiz Hakim Haskani in Shawahid al-Tanzil narrated that Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “When you finish, appoint the leadership (Wilayah) of Ali (a.s.)”

The famous Ibne Abil Hadid Mu’tazili had narrated in his “Shrah Nahjul Balagha” that Zubair bin Bakar who was neither a Shia of Imam Ali (a.s) nor an enemy of Mua’wiyah, reported from Mughirah bin Sha’bah as: “My father, Mughirah used to praise Mua’wiyah but one night he returned from Mua’wiyah very depressed and worried. On my inquiry, he was cursing Mua’wiyah and said: “Tonight I told Mua’wiyah that he had achieved success and it is time to be fair and judicious towards Bani Hashim because you have no danger from them.” Mua’wiya replied: “What goodness will be left for me now, the first two caliphs had done so much but they are not being remembered. But you see Ibne Abi Kabsha (the Messenger); his name is recited five times in aza’an. Who will remember me? The only way is to bury his name!”

Source: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi